‘It’s tough’: Deshaun Watson out for the season with a ruptured Achilles

CLEVELAND (WJW/AP) — Deshaun Watson will not return to the football field in 2024 after an MRI showed the Browns quarterback ruptured his Achilles and will need surgery, the team confirmed Monday afternoon.

Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday afternoon that Watson will have surgery this week.

“We’re disappointed when we lose anybody to injures. Very, very, very unfortunate part of our game. It’s tough. We feel bad for Deshaun in this case, feel bad to lose him for the season,” Stefanski said.

Watson suffered a noncontact injury during Sunday’s game against the Bengals. After he took the snap on a second-down play, the embattled quarterback dropped back to pass at the Cincinnati 21-yard line when his right leg buckled and he fell to the ground. He was carted off the field just before halftime.

Before getting hurt, Watson was 15 of 17 for 128 yards. He was sacked twice.

The team confirmed Sunday he had an “Achilles injury” and would not return to the game.

As he was driven off the field, Watson, whose arrival in Cleveland split the fan base, pulled a towel over his head as fans applauded.

However, when he first collapsed, there were fans who cheered. Some even chanted for the Browns to bring in backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson. The fans’ behavior was condemned by some Browns players.

Cornerback Denzel Ward and wide receiver Cedric Tillman were asked about the loss of Watson Monday. Both Browns players said they are praying for Watson and wishing him a healthy recovery.

“I know he will come back better and stronger,” said Tillman.

Cleveland traded three first-round draft picks to Houston and signed him to a fully guaranteed $230 million in 2022.

The deal came amid Watson being accused by more than two dozen women of sexual assault and harassment during massage therapy sessions. He settled civil lawsuits in all but one of those cases. Watson was suspended by the NFL for his first 11 games with the Browns.

He made just six starts last season before hurting his shoulder.

The Bengals went on to beat the Browns 21-14 Sunday after Watson left the game. Backup quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson took over but also left the game in the fourth quarter with a finger injury.

Stefanski said they’re waiting on more information about the extent of his injury, adding “I feel good about him being available this season.”

*The Associated Press contributed to this report

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